(2) Lecture 11: Foot and Ankle Prolems 1.0 Flashcards
Plantar fascia
Composed of 3 segments: CENTRAL, medial + lateral
- central starts from medial tubercle on plantar surface of calcaneus
- travels towards toes as solid band dividing just before MT heads into 5 slips
helps support foot against downward forces
Most important segment of plantar fascia
Central
Windlass Mechanism
- when toes are extended, plantar fascia functionally shortens and wraps around MT heads
- planta fascia dynamically affects ARCH HEIGHT
- responsible for transferring weight from medial to lateral side of foot during gait
- also important for arch support/shock absorption
Plantar Fasciitis
- most common condition in foot
Caused by overuse or excessive loading
- especially in those w/ atypical arches (Pes Planus + Pes Cavus)
- with active ppl, may be due to changes in training/FITT
- linked to BMI in less active ppl
Plantar Fasciitis - Tissue Level
NOT inflammation
a FASCIOSIS
- OVERUSE condition
- changes in structure (ex. collagen disarray)
- non-inflammatory degenerative condition
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
- gradual onset of pain
- SHARP STABBING PAIN on FIRST steps in morning or after long periods of non-weightbearing
- pain improves after initial few steps but worsens w/ prolonged activity
Signs of Plantar Fasciitis
- Pes Planus or Pes Cavus
- decreased dorsiflexion (tight gastroc/soleus, poor jt mobility)
- weakness of Tib. Post. (plantar flexor)
- pain on palpation over origin of PF (medial side of calcaneus)
Over pronators
Turn IN too far
- have hard time maintaining arch
- trouble w/ resupination = no rigidity
- may cause twist during propulsion
Over supinators
Decreased shock absorption
- decreased ability to adapt to terrain
- due to lack of pronation
- force thru fascia to absorb shock
Role of Pronation in Gait Cycle
Foot function: MOBILE ADAPTER
Foot structure: lowered arches, looser joints
Gait Phase: just after heel strike to foot flat
NOT WANTED AT PROPULSION
Role of Supination in Gait Cycle
Foot Function: RIGID LEVER
Foot structure: heightened arches, tighter joints
Gait Phase: short period at heel strike; foot flat to toe-off
NOT WANTED WHEN LOADING
Tight Posterior Structures
- anatomical connection btwn Achilles tendon and plantar fascia
- if Achilles tendon is tight, plantar fascia may be pulled too tight
Tight plantar flexors affects dorsiflexion ROM and will affect motion
Heel Spurs
- in 80% of plantar fasciitis patients
- due to REPETITIVE MICROTRAUMA
- spur length is correlated w/ age, BMI, symptom duration + perceived pain
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Initial Pain Control
Taping
- over pronators - acute < 10 days
Orthotics - over the counter vs custom < 1year
Night splints
- for symptoms > 6 months
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Fibroblastic/Repair
- correct training errors
Manual therapy/soft tissue work and exercise
- cavus foot
- tight posterior muscles
Stretching
- tight posterior muscles
- plantar fascia